Bolanle Austen-Peters’ biopic “Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti,” which is now available for streaming on Prime Video, chronicles the life of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a pivotal figure in Nigerian history and the mother of renowned musician Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. The film spans from her early years as the first female pupil at Abeokuta Grammar School to her marriage to Israel Ransome-Kuti. It highlights her unwavering stance against injustice and her role in founding the Abeokuta Women’s Union, which challenged traditional and colonial authorities, often resulting in conflicts for justice and equality.
Featuring a talented cast including Joke Silva, Kehinde Bankole, Adunni Ade, Iyimide Ayo-Olumoko, Ibrahim Suleiman, and Iremide Adeoye, the film has resonated widely, grossing over ₦141.5 million at the box office. It has also garnered significant acclaim, winning awards such as Best Overall Feature Film and Best Screenplay at the 2023 Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), as well as Best Writing (Movie) at the 2024 Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCA).
Bolanle Austen-Peters, known for her dedication to portraying historical narratives through film, is set to release another biopic on Netflix titled “House of Ga’a” on July 26. This upcoming film explores the life of Bashorun Gaha, a prominent figure in Yoruba history who served as the Bashorun of the Oyo Empire during the 18th century. The cast of “House of Ga’a” includes notable actors such as Femi Branch, Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham, Ibrahim Chatta, Dele Odule, Bimbo Manuel, Lateef Adedimeji, and many others, promising to bring another rich historical tale to audiences.